Rice Lake
Key Takeaway
Rice Lake is classified as high hazard in Wisconsin. It was completed in 1864 and is 162 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 18 ft (taller than 55.3% in WI) |
| Dam Length | 192 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 10.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 8.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 860 acres |
| Drainage Area | 396 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 16,600 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1864 (162 years old) |
| NID ID | WI00102 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
Barron County
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Rice Lake?
Rice Lake is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Rice Lake?
Rice Lake is owned by Barron County (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Rice Lake built?
Rice Lake was completed in 1864, making it 162 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Rice Lake?
Rice Lake serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Rice Lake?
Rice Lake has a dam height of 18 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Rice Lake last inspected?
Rice Lake was last inspected on September 15, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.